Modernity’ Influences on Islamic Architecture and Geometry Thesis

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Topic Characteristics

The thesis will focus on the influences of modernity on Islamic architecture and geometry as well as examine whether they should be mitigated in order to preserve traditional design solutions. The principal reason why architects engage in the process of unremitting honing of their specialized skill is to ensure that they make possible “the continuation into the future of valuable qualities of the environment, form, texture, material, and of detail and decoration, that would otherwise disappear” (Steele 18).

In the Middle East, the construction of intricate environments that incorporate regional spatial organizations and rhythmic design components can be regarded as the natural result of progression in cultural norms and beliefs of society as a whole. After the First World War, new technologies have made possible the proliferation of construction materials, thereby allowing a high level of standardization of urban infrastructure (Sabouni and Vanegas 199).

This development has led to architects exploring new applications of geometry and seeking new forms to realize functional needs created by the availability of innovative materials (Alami 39). The unique dynamics of economic development enhanced by changing socio-cultural environment have triggered the creation of new architectural types. This evolution has necessitated the provision of effective solutions to the problem of “finding an individual character that combined the heritage of historical regional building traditions with the expression for a modern society” (Sabouni and Vanegas 200).

Islamic architecture, which can be regarded as the actualization of cultural needs of the Middle East, is inspired to a significant extent by religious perceptions of God. Therefore, it can be argued that the notions of tradition hinge on the necessity to preserve a physical locus of the religious message (Steele 19). Given that Islamic architecture and, to a lesser extent, geometry are value-loaded traditions, it is particularly important to investigate whether they benefit from changes introduced by modernity.

Problem

In the age of stylistic pluralism, it is extremely difficult to critically assess the impact of modernity on Islamic geometry and architecture. Even though numerous attempts have been made to examine the influence of current trends on the tradition of Islamic architecture, there is still no comprehensive framework in which it can be assessed. Thus, while some architects have argued that Islamic architecture should shun modern techniques and systems, others have maintained that it ought to reflect current environmental, technological, and political developments (Frampton et al. 46). There is also a group of scholars who hold the view that architecture should not be moored to architectural design principles that exist within a microcosm of Islamic culture but rather has to retain a balance between modern and traditional approaches (Gonzalez 72).

Objective

In order to arrive at a comprehensive framework for assessing the influence of modernity on Islamic architecture and geometry, I will attempt to show which one of the views described in the previous section of the paper has the most merit. I will inquire into the development of Islamic architecture and geometry in a large qualitative literature survey. To this end, I am going to use data from the following academic databases and search engines: Academic Search, EBSCO, Safety Lit, Scientific Information Database, ScienceOpen, Search Team, and SpringerLink. I will also collect additional information from books in local libraries.

Hypotheses

  1. There are three approaches to the interpretation of the influences of modernity on Islamic geometry and architecture: a) the influence results in a net loss and ought to be mitigated; b) the influence results in a net benefit and ought to be encouraged; c) the influence is neutral.
  2. One of these three approaches is more preferable than others two.

Methodology

In order to make my contribution to the topic, I will use the qualitative literature review methodology which is commonly referred to as a systematic review. The objective of a systematic review is to address the problem of differences between various studies that occur for reasons that include, but are not limited to, design flaws, chance, and sampling variations (Siddaway). I will attempt to identify and critically evaluate the findings of the most relevant and high-quality extant literature on the topic of the influence of modernity on Islamic geometry and architecture that addresses at least one of the research questions.

The systematic review will try to determine to what extent existing body of literature has progressed toward clarifying the issue. It will also attempt to establish contradictions and inconsistencies in individual studies on the issue, and provide new explanations for the discussed phenomena in order to account for the contradictions. When trying to analyze the results of the literature review, I will try to adopt a judicious mindset in order to minimize bias.

Works Cited

Alami, Mohammed. Art and Architecture in the Islamic Tradition: Aesthetics, Politics and Desire in Early Islam. I. B. Tauris, 2011.

Frampton, Kenneth, et al. Modernity and Community: Architecture in the Islamic World. Edited by Philippa Baker, Thames & Hudson, 2001.

Gonzalez, Valerie. Beauty and Islam: Aesthetics in Islamic Art and Architecture. I. B. Tauris, 2001.

Sabouni, Ikhlaas, and Jorge Vanegas, editors, ACSA Houston Fall Meeting 2011, ACSA, 2011.

Siddaway, Andy. “What is a Systematic Literature Review and How do I do One?” Stir. Web.

Steele, James. Architecture for Islam Societies Today. Academy Editions, 1994.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2020, August 7). Modernity' Influences on Islamic Architecture and Geometry. https://ivypanda.com/essays/modernity-influences-on-islamic-architecture-and-geometry/

Work Cited

"Modernity' Influences on Islamic Architecture and Geometry." IvyPanda, 7 Aug. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/modernity-influences-on-islamic-architecture-and-geometry/.

References

IvyPanda. (2020) 'Modernity' Influences on Islamic Architecture and Geometry'. 7 August.

References

IvyPanda. 2020. "Modernity' Influences on Islamic Architecture and Geometry." August 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/modernity-influences-on-islamic-architecture-and-geometry/.

1. IvyPanda. "Modernity' Influences on Islamic Architecture and Geometry." August 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/modernity-influences-on-islamic-architecture-and-geometry/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Modernity' Influences on Islamic Architecture and Geometry." August 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/modernity-influences-on-islamic-architecture-and-geometry/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1